MOESIA INFERIOR. Nicopolis ad Istrum. Septimius Severus, 193-211. Hemiassarion (Bronze, 17.5 mm, 2.29 g, 1 h). AY KAI CΕ CEYHPOC Laureate head of Septimius Severus to right. Rev. NIKOΠΟΛITΩΝ ΠΡΟC ICTP Kantharos. Cf. H&J 8.14.52.1 (rev. legend). Varbanov -. Brown patina. Nearly fine.
From the Vineyard Collection, ex Antioch Associates Fpl 80, 12 December 2002, 96.
The kantharos was a small two-handled cup for drinking wine. Although metal examples have been found, most were made of pottery. Several spectacular examples with bases that deviate from the normal slender pedestal mount exist. These have the heads of satyrs, maenads and other gods as a base atop which rests the cup.